Train Derailments Are All Over the News, So Let’s Talk About Them
If you, like so many other people, feel like there have been a lot of train derailments lately, you should know that’s not quite accurate. The truth is that there are a lot of train derailments every year – they just don’t always get the kind of coverage that we’ve been seeing as of late.
In 2022 alone, there were more than 1,000 train derailments across America. This is a cause of great concern as it means that the United States is averaging around three derailments each day.
According to the Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania ranks number one in the United States for its total railroad track mileage and its number of operating railroads. In fact, there are about 6,000 miles of railroad tracks in the Keystone State. With the recent reports of train derailments happening close by, residents are on high alert that the same thing could soon happen in our state as well.
What are the most common causes of train derailments?
When train derailments occur, they must be investigated to determine the cause. While there are many reasons why train derailments happen, the most common reasons include:
- Mechanical failures
- Train driver error
- Poor maintenance
- Defective parts or manufacturing
- Motorists failing to stop at crossings
Whether you board a train, live near train tracks, or stop at railroad crossings, you are entrusting that trains will operate safely and properly at all times. This is because these companies and their employees are responsible for protecting their passengers, crew, and others living or driving nearby. Therefore, if you have been hurt in a train derailment accident, you may be eligible for compensation from the negligent party.
What types of injuries do people experience from train derailments?
Individuals who are involved in train derailment accidents near Harrisburg can sustain fatal injuries. However, if they are fortunate enough to survive, they will most likely suffer severe injuries that lead to life-changing impairments. Here are some of the most common injuries that result from train derailments:
- Broken, fractured, and crushed bones
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limb or amputations
- Paralysis
- Burns
- Cuts or lacerations
- Disfigurements
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Head and skull injuries
- Brain injuries
- Nerve damage
- Soft tissue damage
- Severe bruising
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Emotional trauma and mental distress
As you can see, the list of severe injuries from train derailments is endless. Most people who experience these injuries require significant amounts of treatment and rehabilitation, and some never fully recover.
Compensation available from a train derailment accident
The amount of compensation for which you may be eligible depends on the severity of your injuries. A Harrisburg personal injury attorney from KBG Law will evaluate your injuries, medical recovery plans, and your losses to give you an accurate estimate. Some of the losses you may be able to recover compensation for include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Current and future loss of wages
- Physical and psychological therapy
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Home modifications
- Property damage
- Disfigurement and disability
- Hired services and long-term care
How can a Harrisburg personal injury attorney help?
Victims of train derailments often suffer sudden, permanent injuries that require expensive medical care for the rest of their lives. In addition, they may not be able to return to work for several months or years. If this is your case, our personal injury attorneys can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages. However, we must first determine who is responsible for the train derailment accident.
While it is easy to point fingers at the operator of the train or the railroad company, we will need to have evidence proving that negligence occurred. The laws surrounding train and railroad accidents are complex and challenging, but you can rest assured knowing that our team has the skills and experience to handle these types of cases.
If you choose to work with us, we will thoroughly investigate to determine if any laws were violated and what exactly caused the train derailment.
How long do you have to file a train derailment claim in Harrisburg, PA?
If you are a victim of a train derailment accident, you should be aware that you only have a certain amount of time to file a claim for these cases. In fact, Pennsylvania gives victims two years from the date of injury to file their claims. That said, we know that you are in the middle of a stressful recovery, but it is critical that you do not put off getting the legal assistance you deserve.
Choosing the best Pennsylvania railroad accident attorney can make a big difference in the results of your case. The team at KBG Injury Law understands that the last thing you want to do is deal with a lengthy and complicated legal process, which is why we will handle all challenges and obstacles that come your way as well as ensure that you are given peace of mind. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team today. You can also visit one of our office locations in Harrisburg, Hanover, Gettysburg, Lancaster, or York.
The personal injury attorneys at KBG Injury Law are all experienced litigators. Almost all of them represented insurance companies prior to becoming advocates for injured people, which provides them with a unique perspective and insight into how these companies operate. They also offer extensive courtroom experience if going to trial is the best legal alternative for the client.
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